As the end of the school year approaches, parents and local businesses will be swamped with solicitation letters asking for donations for trophies and medals. These will then be used to award exemplary performances in academics, athletics, the arts, and other extra-curricular activities.
This is especially more common to public schools that would also like to recognize their students but do not have the budget for these things. They rely heavily on financial support from outside sources.
Parents are just too happy to oblige because after all, some of them will have children who are awardees so it is actually a give and take situation.